What's Bugging You?

As Temperatures Rise So Do Pests

Presented By: Preventive Pest Control Spring pest season is underway in Albuquerque, and warmer weather is bringing ants, roaches, spiders and bee swarms back into neighborhoods across the metro. On this episode of What's Bugging You?, hosts Chesley and Brian are joined by pest experts Mike and Josh to break down what homeowners should expect this season. They discuss why odorous house ants are especially tough to control, how outdoor roaches begin appearing in spring, what to know about spider activity, and why many bee swarms are temporary and often better relocated than exterminated. The episode also includes practical prevention tips for Albuquerque homeowners looking to reduce pest issues around the home and yard. If you live in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, this is a timely guide to what’s bugging your home this spring. Subscribe for more expert pest education and local insight from What’s Bugging You? If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/ To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9. Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source! #Albuquerque #NewMexico #PestControl #Ants #Roaches #Spiders #Bees #SpringPests #HomeTips #WhatsBuggingYou #ABQ #HomeMaintenance #BugSeason #AlbuquerqueJournal #DIYHome

How Climate Change Is Shaping Pest Season

In this episode of What’s Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor sit down with Mike Swanson and Dominic White of Preventive Pest Control to explore how changing weather patterns may be influencing mosquito activity, invasive species movement and seasonal pest pressure across the Southwest.The discussion covers Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, concerns about diseases such as Zika and dengue, the New World screwworm, kissing bugs and the impact of warmer winters on ants, roaches and forest insects. The team also explains how even small temperature changes can affect breeding cycles and what homeowners can do to reduce moisture, protect their homes and support beneficial pollinators.If you live in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, this episode offers practical insight into what may be shifting in your own backyard — and how to stay ahead of it.Subscribe for more expert pest education and local insight from What’s Bugging You?If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#WhatsBuggingYou#NewMexico#Albuquerque#PestControl#ClimateChange#Mosquitoes#AedesAegypti#KissingBug#ChagasDisease#NewWorldScrewworm#DesertLiving#HomeMaintenance#Pollinators#SouthwestLiving

Desert Pests, Bed Bugs & Wildlife Control

In this episode of What’s Bugging You?, host Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor sit down with pest-control expert Mike Swanson to answer listener questions about common pest issues in New Mexico.The discussion covers scorpions and centipedes, why exterior prevention matters, and how professional micro-encapsulated treatments differ from store-bought products. Mike also explains termite inspections, why termite work requires specialized licensing, and when homeowners should avoid DIY solutions.Additional topics include ant infestations, the importance of treating the colony, and bed bugs, including how they spread, why general pest services don’t stop them, and how modern biological treatments are improving control. The episode also touches on wildlife concerns like raccoons, bats, and snakes, focusing on habitat reduction and realistic prevention strategies.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ABQRodents #MousePrevention #PackratProblems #AlbuquerquePestControl #DeerMouse #HouseMouse #FallPestSeason #WhatsBuggingYouPodcast #AlbuquerqueJournal

Mice, Myths & Mayhem: Surviving The Fall Rodent Rush

Host Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor sit down with pest-control expert Mike Swanson for a deep dive into rodent behavior as the weather cools in Albuquerque. They cover why mouse calls soar this time of year, how to spot and seal the entry points (pet doors, dryer vents, crawl-spaces), and the key differences between the native deer mouse, the introduced house mouse, and packrats. Mike explains when poison is justified (and when it’s not), why glue-boards are discouraged, and how rodents cause costly property damage—beyond just being “gross.” They also tie in the ecological role rodents play here in the desert southwest, and offer practical tips for homeowners to stay ahead of infestations.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ABQRodents #MousePrevention #PackratProblems #AlbuquerquePestControl #DeerMouse #HouseMouse #FallPestSeason #WhatsBuggingYouPodcast #AlbuquerqueJournal

Ep. 12 What’s Bugging You? Scorpions, Strange Bug Names, and Garden Pests

Presented By: Preventative Pest ControlHost Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor welcome back bug expert Mike Swanson for a lively dive into summer’s creepiest crawlers. From scorpion myths during monsoon season to bizarre insect names like “earwig” and “fire brat,” the trio breaks down fact vs. fiction with humor and insight. Swanson explains the difference between New Mexico’s striped bark scorpion and Arizona’s venomous bark scorpion, why pests sneak into homes, and how to safely manage infestations. The conversation also branches into surprising bug trivia—like roly-polies being crustaceans—and garden threats from hornworms, squash bugs, and even deer. Packed with pest control tips and plenty of laughs, this episode reminds us that most bugs are less dangerous—and more fascinating—than we think.🔗 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!📰 Support local journalism at abqjournal.com.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#WhatsBuggingYou #AlbuquerqueJournal #Scorpions #PestControl #NewMexico #BugFacts #HomeTips #GardenPests #MikeSwanson #ChesleyElkins #BrianVictor